Library board adopts compensating tax rate; court hires an EMT and appoints member to Tax Assessment Appeals Board

Debra Lawson, director of the Spencer County Public Library, reported Aug. 17 that the library board adopted the compensating tax rate for fiscal year 2020–21: 4.7 per $100 on real property and 13.59 per $100 on tangible/personal property, with the motor-vehicle and watercraft rate remaining at 3.000 per $100. Lawson described library operations during the pandemic (three days open to the public, curbside service, expanded e-book collection, virtual programs and 16 portable Wi‑Fi hotspots).

Earlier on the agenda, the court approved hiring Richard Brewer as an advanced EMT at $14.00 per hour, pending a background check and drug screen, after the previously selected candidate declined. The motion to hire was made by Esq. Travis and seconded by Esq. Beaverson with a unanimous roll-call 'aye.'

Near the meeting's conclusion, the Judge recommended Patty Maupin for the three-member Tax Assessment Appeals Board (appointments come from the Judge, the mayor and the Fiscal Court). The Court voted to appoint Maupin; the record notes Esq. Travis had left the meeting and present members voted 'aye.'

The court also reviewed state property-tax certification forms and motor-vehicle tax-rate paperwork submitted by the Spencer County Extension Service; no changes to the motor-vehicle rate were recorded at the meeting.